Innovation rising. In a Friday, Jan. 31 ceremony, Florida Polytechnic University signed on as one of Catapult's latest strategic community partners.

Through this partnership, Florida Poly students and faculty can utilize Catapult's 10,000-sqft Makerspace as a venue for research projects, student-led start-ups, and other innovations — something they're no strangers to. The end goal? To provide a direct pathway for Florida Poly stakeholders to impact Lakeland's local economic + business landscapes.

Students will also have access to Catapult's extensive resource library, as well as mentoring from the Experts in Residence to equip them with additional knowledge for success beyond the classroom.

The long-awaited partnership is similar in nature to one that Florida Southern College's Center for Free Enterprise & Entrepreneurship entered into with Catapult in 2024, which has since produced at least 10 student-led start-ups with roots in Lakeland.

Students + faculty aren't the only ones invited to the Makerspace — Lakelanders can bring their products to life by becoming Catapult members.